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Kerry Meets with Anti-IS Coalition Ambassadors

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry met Monday with ambassadors from countries backing the international coalition against Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria.

State Department Spokeswoman Jen Psaki said Secretary Kerry met with about 60 Washington-based ambassadors from countries involved in the fight against the militants because “diplomacy is an important part” of the coalition.

"The session is an opportunity for coalition partners to reaffirm shared efforts in the coalition, discuss ways in which we can integrate our contributions to coalition efforts, and review ways to accelerate and increase our joint operations,” she said.

The meeting to counter Islamic State - also known as ISIS or ISIL - was hosted by Special Presidential Envoy General John Allen and Deputy Special Presidential Envoy Brett McGurk, both of whom have worked to coordinate its efforts in meetings last month in Britain, France, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman.